The recent CWWA Annual Conference held in Trinidad in October 2000 was a tremendous success. It also, in a very special way via contributions from various key stakeholders, brought into focus the important role the CWWA has to play in the development of the water, wastewater and solid-waste sectors in the Caribbean.

In an attempt to meet the challenges of the future, the CWWA has embarked on a very critical project, in collaboration with PAHO, to develop a strategic plan. The plan would establish a new vision, guide restructuring and provide a sound basis for the organization's institutional development.

The strength of the CWWA is based on the growth of its membership and their active participation. The establishment of the three Technical Committees at the last conference in:
      � Water
      � Wastewater
      � Solid Waste
is part of the new thrust to provide forums and activities beyond the annual conference for members to actively participate. The water committee for example, has the mandate to develop a database of various indices, by which water utility performance throughout the Caribbean can be measured; this is similar to the World Bank "Benchmarking Club". The activities of these committees will be highlighted in our newsletter.

We need also to deepen our relationship with AIDIS, PAHO and CEHI while expanding our association and creating sustainable linkages with organizations like WEF and AWWA.

Our next Conference is in the Cayman Islands October 2001. I want to implore all CWWA members to provide their fullest support in making this year's conference a very successful one.